King would love Spurs job

05 April 2014 12:46

Ledley King would love nothing more than to one day become Tottenham manager.

Having made 323 appearances for the north Londoners, injury prematurely put paid to the Spurs captain's playing career in 2012.

King has been working as an ambassador for the club since then but has not given up on the idea of influencing play on the field.

The former defender has been studying for his coaching badges and, still only 33, would like nothing more than to take the hotseat in north London one day.

"I will do my badges, complete that and it would be a dream come true for me to lead the team out as a manager," King told Press Association Sport.

"It is early days for me still, I've got a lot to learn on that side and I realise how difficult it is.

"I will take my time, try to get my badges and all you can do is see where you go from there."

King would certainly be a popular appointment by Tottenham, currently managed by another one of their ex-players, Tim Sherwood.

Les Ferdinand, Steffen Freund and Tony Parks are others on the first-team coaching staff, which reports suggest could be completely reshaped this summer.

Louis van Gaal, Mauricio Pochettino and Frank de Boer have all been mentioned as potential replacements for Sherwood after a season that is likely to see Spurs miss out on Champions League football.

"It has been difficult (for Tim)," King said. "I have started to do my coaching badges and I realise that it is tough on the other side, being a manager.

"It is similar to being a fan in some respects - you want to get on the pitch and try and help but you can't. I can understand it is difficult.

"Tim is working with the players that have been brought into the club before him, so he is doing his best to get the best out of everyone.

"I believe he is going to be a top, young manager - not just him but the likes of Les Ferdinand and Chris Ramsey all working together.

"From now until the end of the season, they will try and win as many games as possible and see where that takes them."

There are six matches remaining this term, starting with Sunderland coming to White Hart Lane on Monday and ending when Aston Villa visit on May 11.

The day after the season finale Spurs will celebrate King's career in a testimonial match, which will see the former England international lead a Ledley Guest XI comprised of those from his playing days against the current first-team.

"No player knows when they are going to retire," King said. "With myself, I wasn't really sure. It was a case of getting to the end of the season and assessing things.

"It will be great for me to come back onto the pitch, knowing this will be my time to say thank you to the fans.

"They've supported me throughout my career. They're the best fans in the world and it will be great for me to come back out here one my time and say thank you."

:: Tickets for King's testimonial on May 12 at White Hart Lane are on general sale now, with adult tickets Â£20.00 and under-16s available for Â£5.00.